2026 Aachen Diaries: Wednesday Morning with Annie & Nicole

We are live from Aachen and World Championship week has officially begun.

Nicole and Annie are sitting ringside at the first horse inspection, taking in everything that makes Aachen so special. The crowds, the atmosphere, the scale of the venue and a championship field that looks every bit as good in person as it did on paper.

They talk through the team draw and what Great Britain's late position could mean, who might take the individual spots for the major nations and why Tammy Smith and Lilette could be an exciting call for the USA. Plus, first impressions from the trot-up, plans to get out on the cross country course and a little bit of champagne and chocolate along the way.

A quick diary from the heart of Aachen as one seriously exciting week gets underway.

Highlights • First impressions from Aachen • Why this championship already feels so special • The team draw and a late spot for Great Britain • Who could take the individual spots • Tammy Smith and Lilette's medal potential • Live reactions from the first horse inspection • What Nicole and Annie are looking forward to this week

Guests

Annie Bishop is EquiRatings' US-based eventing analyst and a regular voice on the Eventing Podcast.

The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best.

FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips Developed by veterinarians and backed by research, FLAIR Strips support the nasal passages to help horses breathe easier during exercise. Discover FLAIR

Foran Equine Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland. Explore Foran Equine

Carr & Day & Martin Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care. Explore Carr & Day & Martin

Connolly's RED MILLS More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the very highest levels of performance. Explore RED MILLS

Horseware Ireland Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years. Explore Horseware Ireland

Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.